In total contrast to the storms of Thursday and Friday we are now at the other end of the sailing spectrum. Light airs, dead calm by whatever name, it means unless we are totally focused on keeping the yacht moving we'll stop and that isn't racing. It's in these situations where brains take over from brawn and the physical challenge makes way to the mental challenge.
It doesn't mean we're sitting around waiting for wind though. We are hoisting and dropping spinnakers and headsails at a tiring pace and analysing every fraction of a knot difference. David has resorted to shouting into the skies demanding wind and has given the rest of the crew permission to pray to their gods. Whilst contemplating the next strategy David caught his deck shoe on the rail and moments later it dropped over the side and drifted majestically off into the distance. It was a lighter moment for Olly and myself, however, we were told that while this may be a funny incident to some people IT WAS NOT FUNNY AT ALL - AND THAT'S OFFICIAL. We waited until he had gone below before we cracked up. If you've noticed anything different in the nature of the log today it's because it is being written by one of the 'medieval males' onboard BP Explorer. We've given Naomi the week off from diligently recording every detail of our various odours so the fellas can have their say, so no beautiful sunsets and being scared this week I'm afraid.
Just for the record yesterday was shower day and all the blokes now smell fresh and clean and we've even washed our socks! We are all getting into the routine of the watches now and there are more meetings between the watches instead of just coming off and climbing into our bunks. Spirits are high which is good (we've been through a lot already).
We are going to need every bit of concentration and teamwork to get BP Explorer back sailing fast where we most like to be - up front.
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